[blackrock]

I use a notebook when I go abroad and have done so for the last year. Could someone please explain to me - what actually happens when I log onto a free Pub/Cafe Wi-fi site ie what can the Pub/Cafe staff see on thier computer about my computer can they get information regading sites I am logging onto? I am mainly concerned about security ie log on details etc. I have all security software up to date and scan every day!!

[4D(Fordy(Ford) Ollie]

Ok that really depends on how they're setup..

But I don't think in the UK that it's legal for them to do so, and if that's right that'll be the case in certainly most of the EU.

If you use a proxy server or such (I find suffixes easiest if I need to - add .6a.nl after the site name eg. www.google.co.uk.6a.nl) It will not allow them to see in history or see the connection, however they may still theoretically (if its legal) be able to see what you see on your screen, just via LAN connection, like schools and workplaces often do.

However if you're on your own personal laptop, I don't think that'd be possible.

Use a firewall and antivirus, and a proxy if you're really worried, and you'll be fine.